This project will allow you to get a flavor of what etching is like. The actual process is involved, and requires dangerous chemicals, so we will be doing a simplified version on Plexiglas. The real name of what we are doing is drypoint etching, because there are no chemicals or acid baths required.
Draw an image on an 8”x10” sheet of paper. Please follow the instructions for the drawing that were given previously. Also, it must fill the paper, and have a background. There must be areas of contrasting value.
Take a sheet of the plexiglass that will be provided for you and tape it to your drawing.
Using a scratch tool, trace over your drawing, scratching into the plastic. Use cross hatching lines, to create areas of value. You MUST include value (shading) in this assignment. If you do not, you will earn yourself an automatic D-.
Select a color of ink, and squeeze it directly onto the plexiglass. Use a palette knife to spread the ink over the whole sheet. Take care to force it into the scratches.
Use a paper towel to wipe off all ink. Work QUICKLY. If the ink dries, you will regret it!
Take a sheet of designated paper, and mist it completely with a spray bottle. Put the plate face up on the press. Place the paper, wet side down, on the plate. Tighten the press on both sides to about 15-20. Place the felt back over the paper and roll it through the press; then roll it back. Loosen the bolts, to about 40-45, and remove the paper carefully from the copper.
Now repeat the process again. You’ll end up with 2 prints. Please do not print with white or yellow ink onto white paper. If you want to use those, I have black paper that you can print on.
Plexiglas Drypoint Etching
This project will allow you to get a flavor of what etching is like. The actual process is involved, and requires dangerous chemicals, so we will be doing a simplified version on Plexiglas. The real name of what we are doing is drypoint etching, because there are no chemicals or acid baths required.